Manchester City secured a crucial Champions League knockout stage qualification in dramatic fashion, jumping into the top eight after Benfica goalkeeper Anatoliy Trubin scored a stunning 97th-minute goal against Real Madrid. The 4-2 victory eliminated the Spanish giants and handed Pep Guardiola's side direct passage to the last 16, sparing them two additional play-off matches.
City had done their part earlier in the evening, beating Galatasaray 2-0 with goals from Erling Haaland and Ryan Cherki. But their fate hung in the balance as Real Madrid pushed for an equalizer in their clash with Benfica that would have sent City into the play-off round instead.
The decisive moment came deep into stoppage time when Jose Mourinho made the bold call to send his goalkeeper forward for a late free kick. Trubin delivered, scoring what Guardiola later called "a good strategy" that sealed City's qualification.
Guardiola's Promise to Mourinho
The Manchester City manager acknowledged the crucial role Benfica played in his team's qualification. «Yeah of course. We were all there (in the dressing room), and we didn't know Benfica need a goal to qualify. So when their goalkeeper goes up, we said, 'why you go'? But it was a good strategy for Jose. Finishing in the top eight, considering how the Champions League has become, every team is really really tough, so we are really pleased. Hopefully we can arrive in March in our best form.»
The outcome marks an unexpected alliance between the old rivals, with Guardiola promising to thank Mourinho for the two-time Champions League winner's inadvertent assistance.
Relief for City's Congested Schedule
Bernardo Silva emphasized the importance of avoiding extra fixtures given City's current injury situation and packed calendar. «With a bit of drama, we did it. Overall we're very happy because we avoid two games. With the schedule, with the amount of injuries we have at the minute, to have those two full weeks to prepare the team, to recover some players, to focus on other competitions for now is going to be really good.»
The direct qualification is particularly significant for City's quadruple ambitions, providing crucial recovery time ahead of the knockout rounds in March.
Mourinho Savors Prestigious Victory
The Benfica manager celebrated his team's achievement in defeating one of European football's biggest clubs. «A fantastic goal, a historic goal, a goal that nearly brought the whole stadium down - and I think it was very deserved for us,» Mourinho said.
He added: «For Benfica it's an incredible prestige to beat Real Madrid.» The victory extended Benfica's Champions League campaign and eliminated Real Madrid from the competition.
Note: This article was created with Artificial Intelligence (AI).
